Description
The red tartan Christmas fabric used in the design this 100% Cotton placemat is listed in Wilsons of Bannockburn from around 1800 where they called it “Royal Stewart” tartan. The tartan is unknown, but for surviving specimens and records suggests it was obviously a popular fashion tartan plaid at the time.
There also exist suggestions by various authors that the sett of the tartan fabric used in the design of this Christmas placemat was known at the end of the 18th century. The plaid was reputed to have been worn by a follower of Bonnie Prince Charlie, “The Young Chevalier” or “The Young Pretender” in the 1745 Rising, but remains unproven and likely a myth.
George IV wore this tartan plaid on his visit to Scotland in 1822, when it was adopted by Queen Victoria for the Royal Family as the Royal Stewart Tartan. King George V tried to restrict the tartan pattern for use of the Royal Family, but that proved impossible bevause of its widespread use over many years as a popular fashion tartan. Instead of the stewart plaid, he restricted the Balmoral tartan for their use. Early samples show Blue and Light Blue used interchangeably.
In order to make a kitchen setting look like a picturesque catalog entry, stylish placemats are a must-have. These placemats are 18″ x 14″ and come in 100% cotton, featuring hemmed edges.
